Fraud suspect who altered appearance repatriated to Japan after decade on run

TOKYO (TR) – A former lawyer accused of share price manipulation has left Thailand for Japan after a nearly a decade on the run, during which time he is believed to have altered his appearance through plastic surgery, reports NHK (Aug. 1).

On Monday evening, Yasuo Tsubaki, 62, departed Bangkok International Airport for Japan in the company of officers from the Saitama District Public Prosecutor’s Office. He was expected to arrive at Haneda Airport on Tuesday morning.

Last Wednesday, police in Thailand arrested Tsubaki for immigration violations at a residence in the outskirts of Bangkok where he had been living.

According to prosecutors, Tsubaki is alleged to have violated the Securities and Exchange Act by manipulating the share price of OHT, the electrical testing manufacturer that employed him, between 2001 and 2005. The damage of the fraud totaled 12 billion yen.

“What happened over nine years,” the former lawyer said on Monday prior to his departure from the Bangkok International Airport. “I’ve got nothing to say.”

Prosecutors issued a warrant for Tsubaki’s arrest in 2007. He fled to Thailand that same year.

After his escape, Tsubaki is believed to have undergone plastic surgery to alter his appearance and avoid capture.

Yasuo Tsubaki before (left) and after he allegedly underwent plastic surgery (NHK)